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MLB: Key to success for all 30 teams heading into 2015

By Robby Sabo

Oct 15, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Greg Holland throws a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles during the 9th inning in game four of the 2014 ALCS playoff baseball game at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Greg Holland throws a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles during the 9th inning in game four of the 2014 ALCS playoff baseball game at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 17, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Ryan Braun (8) looks on during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Ryan Braun (8) looks on during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

Milwaukee Brewers

  • 2014 Finish: 82-80, 3rd in NL Central
  • 2015 Key to Success: Ryan Braun must be the face

Like the Reds, the Milwaukee Brewers were another boring NL Central team during the Hot Stove months of winter.

Actually, they trump the Reds on the inactivity spectrum. Aside from shipping off Yovani Gallardo and welcoming in Adam Lind, they didn’t do much.

Thus, queue the name of Ryan Braun.

Until further notice Braun will remain the face of the Brew Crew. His past dominance has easily given him that mantle. Plus, while the entire country hated him during the steroid controversy of 2013, the Milwaukee fans stuck by his side.

Let’s face it, they don’t have much else to speak of aside from Sausage Races and Bernie the Brewer.

2014 wasn’t a vintage Bruan season. He put up 19 HR and 81 RBI while batting .266. It could’ve easily been expected though as he once again gets accustomed to MLB life after the long suspension.

For the Brewers to have any shot of a successful season, Braun will need to be the man from his earlier, formidable seasons.

They simply don’t possess another hitter like him.

Carlos Gomez is perhaps their best player. His mix of power (23 HR) and speed (34 SB) is key for the club at the top of the lineup. Catcher Jonathan Lucroy brings some secondary thump. But Braun is the only true number-three hitter on the roster.

Next: Pittsburgh Pirates

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